On Christmas morning when I was ten, I was seriously delighted when an inkpad and an adjustable-date rubber stamp tumbled from my Christmas stocking. Combining these two items with index cards and an old recipe-card box meant I had all I needed to play my favorite game: library. I meticulously wrote a card for each of my books, then forced my little sisters to act the role of library patrons and “check out” books, just so I could stamp a due date on the cards with a satisfying thump, alphabetize them, and squirrel them away in my card box. I was a happy camper, though I may have scarred my sisters for life — today we rarely discuss what we’re reading.
While my childhood fantasies of being a librarian never materialized, my love of libraries never waned. That’s why I was enchanted with Little Free Libraries, an idea started by Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, as a tribute to his mom, June A. Bol, a teacher. In 2009, he built a small schoolhouse-shaped structure, filled it with books, and mounted it on a pole.
Since that first structure bearing the sign “Take a book, return a book” appeared in Bol’s front yard, the number of Little Free Libraries has grown to more than 1,500. They can be found in more than 40 states and 20 countries. Bol and his friend Rick Brooks, co-founder of Little Free Libraries, hope to surpass the 2,509 libraries created by steel baron and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. (Of course, Carnegie’s libraries were all life-sized.)
While it’s possible through the Little Free Libraries website to buy finished libraries, as well as plans for creating the structures from new lumber and shingles, original designs and recycled materials are strongly encouraged. Many little libraries resemble large, fanciful birdfeeders; others conjure barns, canoes, or British phone booths and include fanciful touches like mosaics and murals. Most have a plexi-glass front door through which “patrons” can see the 20 to 50 books resting inside. They are water- and weather proof and bear the “Take a book, return a book” inscription Bol attached to his first structure.
When a new library “registers” with the Free Little Library organization, it gets an official number and is added to a Google map where patrons can search for nearby libraries, see photos and stories about each library, and find information about the library’s steward — the person who maintains the library and its collection. Stewards report little trouble with Little Free Libraries (as it says on the org’s website, “You can’t steal a free book”). They may occasionally replace a broken door, but most often they say the libraries have helped them get to know neighbors they’ve never met, when they stop to peruse the collection or donate a book.
That community connection is a main mission of the organization founded by Bol and Brooks. They also hope the libraries will promote literacy and a love of reading. Patrons seem to delight in donating favorite books, providing their neighbors with a chance to read (and potentially discuss) them. There’s also an opportunity for those who build the structures to come together: architects, scout troops, carpenters, and neighbors can share advice and information on design and construction through the Neighborhood Library Builders Facebook page.
The libraries benefit more than those in the neighborhood in which they’re built. With the success of Little Free Libraries, the founders created the GIFT (Give It Forward Team), which supports Little Free Libraries in communities that may not be able to afford one. Little Free Libraries also is a strong proponent of public library use — after all, you can only fit so much into a little library.
I know as a child I would have found these book-holding boxes magical (even if they didn’t provide the opportunity to stamp a due date in each volume). And maybe if my sisters and I could meet up at a Little Free Library, free of the requirement that they check out books just because I say so, we’d start talking books again. It’s worth a try.
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A lifelong sewer/knitter and former weaver/spinner, Linzee Kull McCray, a.k.a. lkmccray, is a writer and editor living in Iowa. She feels fortunate to meet and write about people, from scientists to stitchers, who are passionate about their work. Her freelance writing appears in Quilts and More, Stitch, UPPERCASE, American Patchwork and Quilting and more. For more textile musings, visit her blog.
4 Featured Comments
Sign in to add your ownKaren Brown says: Featured
Some things -- and some people -- restore your faith in human kind. What a charming concept. It's sort like geocaching -- for knowledge!
335 days ago
Meg from ME2Designs says: Featured
This is a wonderful project and it's great how the idea has grown so that the program can be utilized throughout the US! In Sarasota, FL the library system has had a "Read it and Pass it on" program for - thousands of used library books & donated books are put on small bookshelves in the transit buses, at public locations throughout the county, etc. Anyone can pick up a book to read and then pass it on to someone else (the books all have a bright yellow Read it and Pass it on sticker on the cover. Also, the library has an annual "One Book - One Community" each summer. Residents can vote on which of six books will be the read, and the winner book is read by the community and then discussed in numerous small group locations. The program expands the world of the reader; then by talking about the book with others in the community adds richness and depth to the experience of reading; with the information strengthening the community, as the sense of community is developed around the shared experience of reading and talking about one great book.
335 days ago
Dione from LittleAppleNY says: Featured
I just love this. I've left so many just-finished books on subway platforms hoping that others may take them and enjoy them. I wish there were cute little boxes to put them in.
335 days ago
GraysonDesigns11 from GraysonDesigns11 says: Featured
It sounds like this article has planted many seeds for new free libraries. I think they are going to exceed their goal for these little treasures. I have a feeling my family will be contributing as well!
335 days ago
174 comments
Sign in to add your ownHeather Levin from petticoatplease says:
I love this idea so much! I saw something similar on Treehugger. Those mini-libraries are not only sharing books and the love of reading, but they also beautify the community. Thanks for the great post!
335 days ago
Kira Ferrer from KiraFerrer says:
Wonderful idea!
335 days ago
Matejka Max from NattyMatty says:
Fantastic idea!!!
335 days ago
Stephanie from StringBeardCraftery says:
I was the kind of kid that would read under the covers by night light and wake with the my face still resting on that open book. I am definitely going to put one of these awesome little fixtures in my neighborhood. It really saddens me that fewer and fewer children nowadays have found their way into a book, and that fewer and fewer parents are encouraging their children to read for leisure. I absolutely adore this idea, and am proud to know that I will be a part of it in the near future.
335 days ago
LivingVintage from LivingVintage says:
Great idea! Especially when library funding is under siege.
335 days ago
Shannon from pinkdixie says:
This sounds so great and..... my house is right next to the elementary school. Could be a match made in heaven.
335 days ago
Wilbur W from wilbursvintage says:
GREAT Work, and Fantastic IDEA! I thank you, for this Wonderful message.
335 days ago
Karen Brown says: Featured
Some things -- and some people -- restore your faith in human kind. What a charming concept. It's sort like geocaching -- for knowledge!
335 days ago
Dana Seilhan from studiorandom says:
We have something like this at the Clintonville Community Market here in Columbus. It's not an outdoor structure but a shelf just inside the front door. But they could easily move it outside so it was available at all hours. I should put a bug in their ear. And I'm sure we could use another half-dozen of these around town. We have one of the country's best public library systems, but that doesn't mean people don't still want to own books as well.
335 days ago
Jennifer from lavenderave says:
thanks for the fabulous post on these amazing little local libraries! My son is hoping to build one of the Little Free Libraries and install it at a local bus transit center as his Eagle Project. We sure hope that the transportation people will like the idea as well as we do!
335 days ago
Karla from Jadessugartree says:
This is so charming! I love books and love to read. I will build one of this and register it. I think my neighborhood will like it! Awesome idea and great message!
335 days ago
Jess from volkerwandering says:
I think this is how libraries should be. Very few books do I want to read over & over, so it would be nice to trade them out for new ones, free of charge!
335 days ago
Emily E. from ZiggyAndZoop says:
What an amazing idea!
335 days ago
Diane Elizabeth from FannyElizabethDesign says:
Amazing! I am so inspired... thank you:)
335 days ago
theheirloomaddict from TheHeirloomAddict says:
Very Inspirational!
335 days ago
Mother Lark from MotherLark says:
This is the most amazing thing! Community, learning, trust, and cuteness! I love it. Way to go Little Free Libraries.
335 days ago
holly mcgee from ImYourNonny says:
What a great idea!!! I'm thinking of children who might be reluctant readers...books presented in such a way...housed in fairy-like wee settings...might have a whole new appeal for them!!!
335 days ago
Amanda Gynther from CafePrimrose says:
Fabulous! If the US government won't give us access to free education, we just give it to ourselves and share it amongst us all! Beautiful article and fantastic concept! I am in love! I will buy one of these when i get home and set it up in my front yard.
335 days ago
Megan from MegansMenagerie says:
That is awesome! My 7 year old daughter loves to read and we go to the library every week. She would think this is so cool!!!
335 days ago
bagladybooty from bagladybooty says:
What a wonderful project. I'm a freelance writer, and also an avid reader. I never knew about this project. I appreciate your post. I only wish, that I'd thought of this innovative idea first!
335 days ago
Regan from LaMeowVintage says:
Cute and clever idea.
335 days ago
Amy from AHSC says:
Love this idea! I would have be thrilled to have something like this to visit when I was little (ok... I still would!)
335 days ago
Monika from hypericumfragile says:
Fantastic idea! Thank you!
335 days ago
Erika from ErikaPrice says:
What an amazing idea! We have so many books I have to hide new ones from DH, and this is a fantastic way to re-use and recycle something that lots of people love. Would you mind if I adopted your idea (but on a very much smaller and local scale) in my village?
335 days ago
Eleanore from FiberBeads says:
People are SO awesome! Don't ever EVER let go of your library, modest as it might be. Can you imagine trying to find funding for the concept of libraries in this day and age? If we tried to invent it now, it would be a very hard sell. Kudos to Todd Bol and his beautiful mom for this wonderful spot of humanity.
335 days ago
littlehouseshoppe from littlehouseshoppe says:
Such a wonderful idea! I think I will start one in my community!
335 days ago
Victoria Baker from LittleWrenPottery says:
Great idea, love the concept of being able to loan and replace books in the community a nice way of sharing books you love!
335 days ago
Cricket Vauthier Roemer from ReallyCricket says:
I love this idea! What a wonderful way to share books with your community.
335 days ago
Tracy from 4EnvisioningVintage says:
As a book worm myself I love this idea! Shared ~
335 days ago
PinkCheetahVintage from PinkCheetahVintage says:
This is so awesome!!!
335 days ago
Laura Stark from laurastark says:
I love the concept of “Take a book, return a book”! My best book find was in a hotel in Rome. The in room shelf housed books of all languages for people to take and leave. I left with an amazing book by a British author!
335 days ago
Casey from vitamini says:
That's so cool! I know if I had one in my neighborhood I'd donate to it frequently. I have two librarians in my family (my sis and my mom) and since I've moved to a more walkable town find myself taking strolls to the local library once a week! Libraries are wonderful resources and have so much to offer patrons. And these mini libraries are great little local resources for books, sharing, and community pride.
335 days ago
Shai Wallach from PopLoveCouture says:
This is an absolutely spectacular initiative. For years, I've hunted down street corners looking for those little boxes of books people leave out when they're closet-cleaning or moving. There's so many spectacular little novels - some trashy, some bizarre and just every so often, some amazing little books. Used books have such a character to them, as much as I love my tablet, I don't think I'll ever stop reading real books. I love this initiative - it's got all the charm of those corner boxes, with a little more respect and a lot more protection from the elements!
335 days ago
Windy City Novelties says:
This is such a great idea! I just checked and there isn't one Lake County, IL at all. I think this should change soon! Thanks for the share!
335 days ago
PatternsAndPlans from PatternsAndPlans says:
Great idea, especially for rural communities. However, I hope it doesn't eventually replace our libraries.
335 days ago
Rochelle Darrow from gallerydarrow says:
I LOVE this!
335 days ago
Kathryn Ryan from VintageBowBoutique says:
What an amazing idea! I love how it seems to bring communities together more!
335 days ago
Emily Delfin from reflectionsjewelry says:
Wonderful idea! Iooking to see if there is one in my area..................
335 days ago
Amanda from SalvatoCollection says:
Best Idea EVER!!!!
335 days ago
LC from cafedebutta says:
What a fantastic idea. More communities need to do this!
335 days ago
Desirea Holton from eatAGAR says:
Yea! I want to start one in Georgetown, but the library here is already pretty rockin'. Maybe if I move to Silver Plume...
335 days ago
loopy from loopyboopy says:
I have one of these in my neighborhood and I love it!
335 days ago
Carol from elitasvintage says:
love love love!
335 days ago
Monique Flannagan from BlueSquiggle says:
Awesome project! Can't believe there isn't one of these in SD or the OC!
335 days ago
Janelle Dauenhauer from scrapbookcompleted says:
What a great idea! Someone started one in our community, I just haven't visited it yet!
335 days ago
Rebecca from MaggiePaggieDesigns says:
What a beautiful story - love this!
335 days ago
lythamsnowdrops from lythamsnowdrops says:
One of these just popped up at our neighborhood park!
335 days ago
maaret sinkko from maaretsinkko says:
thank you foir sharing this amazing story! now I am inspired to do the same...so many books so little time. my son told me the other day 'i love books' and i thought...my work here is done!
335 days ago
Meg from ME2Designs says: Featured
This is a wonderful project and it's great how the idea has grown so that the program can be utilized throughout the US! In Sarasota, FL the library system has had a "Read it and Pass it on" program for - thousands of used library books & donated books are put on small bookshelves in the transit buses, at public locations throughout the county, etc. Anyone can pick up a book to read and then pass it on to someone else (the books all have a bright yellow Read it and Pass it on sticker on the cover. Also, the library has an annual "One Book - One Community" each summer. Residents can vote on which of six books will be the read, and the winner book is read by the community and then discussed in numerous small group locations. The program expands the world of the reader; then by talking about the book with others in the community adds richness and depth to the experience of reading; with the information strengthening the community, as the sense of community is developed around the shared experience of reading and talking about one great book.
335 days ago
Sharon Moores from slathered says:
I really want to do this! (And as a former newspaper editor, I love the picture of the old newspaper box that's been turned into one.) This is also a great solution to the unmanageable pile of books that takes over the basement stairs before I get to the used-book store.
335 days ago
Luis Gutierrez from BeingStrange says:
Very cool!
335 days ago
Caitie and Jamie C. from NuitHiboux says:
What a nice idea!
335 days ago
Michelle from LavenderThimble says:
This is such a great idea! Thanks for posting this. Whenever I land into my new neighborhood, I would love to set one up. I've been trying to figure out what to do with the books that I've read for my book club, and this is the perfect solution.
335 days ago
Jessica from LovelyFever says:
What an amazing article! I had no idea that there were these adorable "little libraries" all over the country! I really love the concept of a little community library and will be sure to try to find more information about them to see if there is any way to get involved. I also can relate to how the article author would play "library" as a child-- as a life-long avid reader myself, I too used to play a similar game when I was a kid.
335 days ago
Jessica from LovelyFever says:
What an amazing article! I had no idea that these "little libraries" existed and were all over the country! I will be sure to find out more about these and see if there is any way to get involved. I also loved how the author of the article wrote about playing "library" as a child--as a life-long avid reader myself, I too used to play librarian with my books and sisters as a kid. Thanks for sharing. This put a smile on my face!
335 days ago
Dione from LittleAppleNY says: Featured
I just love this. I've left so many just-finished books on subway platforms hoping that others may take them and enjoy them. I wish there were cute little boxes to put them in.
335 days ago
Candi from Shortsupply says:
I did the EXACT same thing with my adjustable date stamp as a kid!!! ;)
335 days ago
Karen Thimot says:
This a precious idea! A place to lovingly share the passion of reading.... how about that!
335 days ago
Libby Stone from PickleValentine says:
How did I miss this? Maybe dh and I will make one.
335 days ago
BonTons from BonTons says:
Love this! Such a wonderful idea
335 days ago
Mimi from aTreasureInStore says:
I want to do this! My little free library would be shaped like a tobacco barn and start off with Little House on the Prairie books...my favs in elementary school.
335 days ago
Sue from DaisyandFlorrie says:
L O V E !
335 days ago
Adriana the Librarian from labiblioteca says:
Well as a librarian myself, I absolutely love this idea. I want one in my neighborhood!! :)
335 days ago
Michelle Cornelison from oceanityhandmade says:
Amazing! Thanks for such a good post.
335 days ago
Cathy from LayOffTheBooks says:
I love this idea, great post! I've seen similar projects before, it's a wonderful way to share your love of reading.
335 days ago
Thea from fibrous says:
What a really sweet idea! btw, I played bookseller with my siblings...
335 days ago
Audrey from HelloMountains says:
clever and cute!!! We need to make this in France!
335 days ago
Mitmunk Design from Mitmunk says:
These are so fantastic, supported simply by the idea of sharing resources. There is one of these along our daily route that we frequent. We can always find a diverse range of books in there, and when we have books we're done with, it's nice to be able to contribute something back to the book cupboard. The bottom shelf is reserved for children's books :)
335 days ago
Made At Nana's from MadeAtNanasHouse says:
I thought this post was one of the best I have ever read, thank you, for the first time ever, I posted a post to my facebook.. that is how great I thougth this one is. My family owens two stores here in the mountains of Az. I just showed Papa this posting to tell him "this is your "SUNDAY" projects" to make to have in front of both of our stores.. what a fantastic ideal, thank you so much for sharing it with the world... Nana
335 days ago
Priscilla from Gardenmis says:
Such a lovely idea!! I loved volunteering in my school library as a young girl and my love of books has never waned either.
335 days ago
Elena Mary Siff from ElenaMary says:
Wonderful! Great project for kids...to create their own free library structure and manage it...in the virtual world our kids live in too often, a real free book can be a treasure!
335 days ago
Annmarie Scott from AllAboutStory says:
Love it! What a wonderful thing to do...I can see these little free Libraries popping up around school communities too - an extension of 'book swaps' that take place with friends. What is a good book if not well thumbed! Cheers :)
335 days ago
Susanne Major from LineaLina says:
Such a cute thing! What a marvelous idea!
335 days ago
Rocky from PinkDragonflyCrafts says:
I love this idea, it is just lovely. I would delight in the opportunity to participate in one of these little libraries. Libraries don't seem to get much love nowadays. A little stand like this might entice a new reader who might otherwise be intimidated by a public library to pick out a book and discover the joys of reading. Movies and video games cannot compete with a good book (and this is coming from a game freak and movie lover!). :)
335 days ago
Noa Osterreicher from noasjewelry says:
Oh, that is so wonderful
335 days ago
HelloShoes from HelloShoes says:
I love this idea. I also love my library...They have a starbucks..not kidding:)
335 days ago
Emily Lim from shuqi says:
love the idea. hope my town will have this also.:)
335 days ago
iammie from iammie says:
Lovely!
335 days ago
PoetryofObjects from PoetryofObjects says:
Just simply wonderful! We're going to create one of these little bits of magic! Thank you so much for the article...and for the idea of community!
335 days ago
Connie Haskell from redemptionart says:
OMG! I thought I was the only kid "neighborhood librarian" LOL! I even went as far as inviting neighborhood friends over to "borrow" my books...it really worked! I am in love with this...on my "must do" list! Thanks!
335 days ago
Ashleigh-ellan Kavanagh from AshleighEllan says:
Can't believe there is only ONE of these in the UK. I'll be making a change to that!
335 days ago
warnellcreations from warnellcreations says:
That is a wonderful concept! I absolutely love to read and I am at my local library at least 2 to 3 times each week. The library is a great source for books, magazines and CD's/DVD's for my business.
335 days ago
warnellcreations from warnellcreations says:
That is a great concept! I absolutely love to read. I go to my local library at least 2 to 3 times each week. The library is a great resource for books, CD's/DVD's for my business.
335 days ago
DressEmporium says:
What a unique and amazing idea!
335 days ago
Patti Trostle from PattiTrostle says:
Love it!!
335 days ago
rivahside says:
I'm sure Ben Franklin would be impressed!
335 days ago
Donna from my2handsstudio says:
Being a library lover myself, since the time as a small child,and to this day checking out ten to fifteen books at a time. I love this idea and will see if my husband will build one for me.
335 days ago
Liesl Carlson from lcarlsonjewelry says:
I heard about this awhile ago and thought it was the most wonderful idea. I am a avid library goer as is my three year old son. This is amazing!!!
335 days ago
GraysonDesigns11 from GraysonDesigns11 says: Featured
It sounds like this article has planted many seeds for new free libraries. I think they are going to exceed their goal for these little treasures. I have a feeling my family will be contributing as well!
335 days ago
Sam's Natural from SamsNatural says:
That is co cute! Might have to have one of our own :)
335 days ago
Kelly from treasurebooth says:
So neat--I saw one of those pop up in my former neighborhood of Edmonds, WA just before I moved out of state. What a fun concept and sweet tribute! PS Your first paragraph made me smile--I played library too! Such satisfaction from rubber stamps, blank cards, and a stack of old books :)
335 days ago
JO Haney from Mixxr says:
Great idea !
335 days ago
April Foss from AvasYellowRainBoots says:
What a sweet idea!
334 days ago
Edie Ann from OhHoneyHush says:
Wow, What a wonderful idea!! :)
334 days ago
Alexandra from BlueMoonLights says:
What a great idea! Thank you for the post :)
334 days ago
Michelle Maynard from SimonesRoseBoutique says:
How awesome is that?! Fantastic.. thanks for sharing!!
334 days ago
Teresa from shopgoodgrace says:
Incredibly inspiring! Thank you for sharing - and spreading the word... what a wonderful way to build "community" - and foster goodwill.
334 days ago
Krissy Joy from FWBluxuries says:
YES! this is great!
334 days ago
Custom Baby from customizeBaby says:
BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLLLLLL CREATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
334 days ago
Cristy Beck from StudioBotanica says:
This post just warms my heart, how cool.
334 days ago
Nikki Weiss from myMountainStudio says:
What a neat concept. My husband and I have so many books, I've often thought it would be neat to have a small private library with them so others could benefit from our collection as well. (We had someone in a nearby town do that in the past.) This would be a neat way to do that someday if we end up in a better location for doing so. Would be quite interesting indeed. Thanks for sharing the idea... I'm bookmarking it for future use. :)
334 days ago
Carmen from MontanaGirl says:
Our elementary school holds a used book sale every year and each child is allowed to pick out one book for free. Watching them choose just the right one was one of my favorite experiences as a volunteer. Books are a powerful thing.
334 days ago
Betty Lamberson from StongateCottage says:
This is a wonderful idea! we hope to build one of these on the grounds of our Depot Museum..of course in the shape of a minature train depot! Our tiny town does not have a public library, even though we have a reading corner in our Museum, the nearest library, except of course the school library, the nearest Public library is 10 -12 miles away.
334 days ago
Caroline Cruze from PoorLittleButterfly says:
This is a marvelous idea! I have enjoyed reading since I was a little girl. I can't think of a better way to give back to the young kids in my neighborhood! I'm going to look into my subdivision's Home Owners Association to see if it is allowed! I love the idea of sharing books. They truly are magical. Thank's for the great post!
334 days ago
Rhonda from RodaLuLu says:
I would love to sponsor one of these in my community. So inspiring.
334 days ago
pezzazz from pezzazz says:
This is the nicest things I've seen all day! I would so love to do this, but how to make it work in a condo complex? Perhaps in my next home.
334 days ago
pezzazz from pezzazz says:
*thing
334 days ago
Laurie from BirdinHandVTG says:
One of the sweetest things I've ever seen! What an inspiration!
334 days ago
Ionelia Liliana Balan from Victoar says:
very good ideea; good luck :)
334 days ago
Stacey B from lollyjodesigns says:
This is so great!! I'm going to check out the one 20 minutes from my house, and bring a few books I'm done with. Thanks for sharing this!
334 days ago
Angela Cotton from cottonbirddesigns says:
Lovely article!
334 days ago
Jane from RavensCrafts says:
Awesome! I'm going to do this!
334 days ago
bordellobarrettes from bordellobarrettes says:
My sister and I used to play library too! What a great article and idea!
334 days ago
Laura Hale from fbstudiovt says:
A dear friend of mine who was an insatiable reader and a frequent lender of books, died suddenly a few days ago. I'm going to build a little library for my front yard in his memory. He would have loved this idea.
334 days ago
hollygatto from hollygatto says:
What a wonderful idea! I love it!
334 days ago
Tess from GildedNotes says:
I love when you realize that you weren't the only one who did something others found a little strange as a child! I too had my own "library" at the end of the hallway called the "Ladybug Library" (the only stamp I owned was a ladybug shape). Thank for sharing your story as well as introducing me to this awesome concept...I'm off to Google to see if there are any near me!
334 days ago
S.E.T. from SETdesign says:
This is a fantastic idea! I am completed jazzed about the whole concept and already have several ideas on how I will construct one. Now, to my sketchbook and workshop to make this happen! Can't wait!! @Meg - I live right next door to you and had no idea Sarasota had a program like that! I am definitely going to check it out and see if I can get involved.
334 days ago
louieirn says:
Love this idea but right now I live in a neighborhood that won't allow one. BUT I will be building my own Library at my next home that will hopefully be in the Seatle area... someday!! Thanks for sharing!!
334 days ago
TheSeaCottage from TheSeaCottage says:
OMG! This is great! I've long been a library advocate, and even worked in one for awhile, but I love the idea of people offering this to their neighborhoods. I'm going to see what I can do to start up one.....C:
334 days ago
TheSeaCottage from TheSeaCottage says:
I love this idea! I've long been a library advocate, and even worked in one for awhile, but this is a convenient idea for people in neighborhoods who don't visit the library because it's too far out of the way. Thanks for sharing this.....
334 days ago
BCbuzz from BCbuzz says:
Love this concept, curiosity keeps us young!
334 days ago
anny schoo from annyschooecoclothing says:
Neat idea! Love the story.
334 days ago
Sandra Park from accidentalcharm says:
YAY! i'm going to go buy the one in my town today. this is awesome. :)
334 days ago
Heather Meyer Boothby from TheHalfKnittedPine says:
Your blogs are absolutely the B-E-S-T!! Fellow Iowegian, you make me proud to wear the yellow and black!!
334 days ago
Karla from KABowtique says:
I'm in love with this idea! It would be an amazing project :)
334 days ago
Joylyn McChesnie from BirchangelPinatas says:
I saw these on the local news a while back....great idea!
334 days ago
TheUglyBarnFarm from TheUglyBarnFarm says:
I read about these on the TinyHouseBlog featured on there just today! Very cool idea.
334 days ago
Michelle Merle Pace from MerlePaceArts says:
ack-love this! a dream come true to read about this! i have been wanting to do something like this and wasn't sure how to go about it-thanks so much for the inspiration!
334 days ago
arica mann and angie toscano from LilsvilleNY says:
What a fantastic idea! I saw one of these in a neighbor's yard and wondered about it, but didn't want to venture onto their property. Now I will check it out! :)
334 days ago
Laura H. Drapac from laurahdrapac says:
This is so enchanting! I liken it to the recent wave of pop-up galleries and abandoned storefront installation spaces... something wonderful for nothing!
334 days ago
Lynne Grant-Tull from esmeelynne says:
Awesome!
334 days ago
Judy Wright from JudithGayleDesigns says:
What a wonderful story! Thank you!
334 days ago
Jennifer Klem from retroheart says:
This is awesome! There's a similar type thing that geocachers do (called Bookcrossing), but this is SO much cuter! :D I'm going to start bugging DH to make me one.
334 days ago
AlbredasAttic from AlbredasAttic says:
While I love this idea, and will most likely try to find a good location for one in our neighborhood (we don't get a lot of foot traffic on our street), here in Baltimore we also have something that has cropped up in several cities now (I believe). The project is a totally non-profit, donation driven, volunteer run "library" where no return is required. It is called the "Baltimore Book Thing" and books are collected from donations, stamped with "this is a free book, not for resale", then sorted into genres and placed out on shelving made of simple 2x4s in an old garage off of Greenmount Avenue. You can come in any weekend and gather all of the magazines, books, VHS, cassettes, cds, dvds, etc. that you desire for your school, church, scout troop, or just yourself. All that they ask is that you print your name and how many books you are taking on a ledger so that they can help account for where the books find a home. (For some of their grants and such, I think.) They gladly accept any donation and cheerfully accept volunteers of any kind. I have "turned on" so many people to this project and continue to cheerlead for it at every turn. Search online for a "book thing" near you (as I understand we are not the only city with one). And PLEASE never throw away a book! If you can't do something like these lovely micro libraries, at least donate them to a school, library, or even the Goodwill. Keep reading, folks!
334 days ago
Ella Parker says:
I love love love it!!!! Such appealing houses for the books will attract attention.
334 days ago
Margarita from HulaGirl1922 says:
"Books gives us a place to go ... when we have to stay where we are..." and a book is gift that can be opened again and again... I ♥ the Free Little Libraries thank you for all that are making it happen...best wishes xoxoxo
334 days ago
MyWisteriaCottage from MyWisteriaCottage says:
This is a wonderful idea.
334 days ago
liddy sopretty from liddysopretty says:
Neat idea!!
334 days ago
Kannis from KaffeeKatze says:
Wonderful idea! Love!
334 days ago
violetpretty says:
So cool!
334 days ago
julie macneil from iowajewel says:
i love this and would love to have one in our town!
334 days ago
ElaHonore from ElaHonore says:
What a wonderful story and an awesome idea. Thank you!
334 days ago
Canan from Zembil says:
I love those little libraries. Great post!
334 days ago
Sabrina and Dante Acevedo from Mocahete says:
Such a wonderful idea!
334 days ago
Nancy from kibblesnknits says:
Someone put one of these up in my neighborhood about a year ago. Everyone was talking about it and loving it so much!
334 days ago
Diana from yimmekedesign says:
Such s delightful idea. I had to laugh about you wanting to be a librarian Linzee. That is exactly what I wanted be when I was little. I LOVED the way the librarian stamped the date on the little yellow cards and the way she shoved the card back in the book's little envelope. So much did I think back about this when I was older, that I bought a big box of library book pockets from a book store going out of business. I still wonder why that profession was so attractive to me, as I definitely did not fit the character of a stuffy little book mouse. I think I was more in awe of being around people who where interested in acquiring knowledge.
333 days ago
Lauryn Quinn from thefrolickingfrog says:
Too cool! Just went on the site to see more of these pretty little book houses. They are so cute! The books look so happy in them :) Such an awesome idea. Love it.
333 days ago
Christle Chumney says:
I am a librarian and had never heard of this project. Thank you so much for sharing!
333 days ago
newtonsfigs says:
I LOVE this concept! I want one in my yard!!!!!!!
333 days ago
Bobbie from nowvintage says:
I love this too!! Something that people of all ages can relate to but absolutely magical for kids!! In this day of technology it is a perfect time for a low tech thing such as this..I live a bit more remote, I will have to find someone in town to talk into this so I can do one!!! :)
333 days ago
isoscele from isoscele says:
Great Idea
333 days ago
Sarah Zafuist from zafuchi says:
What a fantastic thing to do! I live in an isolated rural area now but as soon as I get into a more populated area I will definitely want to give something like this a try!
333 days ago
Jasmine Rose from jasminerose says:
I drive by one in my neighborhood every day, and I have always wondered what it was all about. Thanks for sharing!
333 days ago
May Hunter says:
I made one of these back in 2007, using an old newspaper box that was no longer in use (other than as a trashcan...). I repainted it, decorated, made a sign and filled it with books. Within 3 days it was destroyed and all the books gone, i even found some in the trashcan nearby. Hopefully this one is in a better neighborhood, i love the concept of tiny libraries.
333 days ago
Lola Ocian from GoldenSpiralDesigns says:
Cute idea! I love the newspaper box - turned free library. What a great alternative to boring news. Books are better!
333 days ago
Judy Murphy from vegasblingrocks says:
To May Hunter: NEVER GIVE UP, you too are a great inspiration for literacy. Hopefully the culprits are now mature and sorry and just might even help you make another one. "If you build it they will come .... "
333 days ago
Judy Murphy from vegasblingrocks says:
To May Hunter: NEVER GIVE UP! You too are a wonderful inspiration for promoting literacy and giving back. Maybe the culprits are sorry and just might even help contribute to it. "If you build it they will come ..... " Best wishes!
333 days ago
Brittany Hodgson from BeatriceCLaNore says:
What a wonderful idea. I love it!
333 days ago
Chifonie from Chifonie says:
I would love to live near such a lovely free library !
333 days ago
Leslie Watkins says:
Linzee, Thanks so much for your wonderful words about Little Free Library! Your piece brought a lot of new visitors to our website! Sincere thanks, Leslie lwatkins@littlefreelibrary.org
332 days ago
metroretrovintage from metroretrovintage says:
I love this idea. There is a free bookshelf in my laundry room, and have both borrowed from it, and donated to it. It's a wonderful way to circulate books and spread the joy of reading.
331 days ago
Payson A from SecondStarDesignCo says:
Such a cute idea, thank you for sharing! I'd never seen those before, and I love how it promotes community trust and a love of reading. I also love your story about "playing librarian"-- how cute!
331 days ago
Brittney West from BrittneyWest says:
What a wonderful idea! I would love to incorporate a Free Library in my town! "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do."--Rumi
331 days ago
Lisa Dunne-Jackson from RoofTopCreations says:
I sent this to my sister who is a librarian here in NJ! I think this is a great idea and I really want to put one up in my neighborhood. My family talked aboiut it at dinner tonight and my 13 year old son, who is at a very cynical age, said, "you know, Mom, people probably won't follow the rules and someone will probably come and just steal all of the books at once!" I was able to use the quote from the article title and said, "But they're all free. You can't steal a free book!" "And besides," I said, "maybe the people who steal all the books might actually read them!" "Hmm," he said, "I think that would be neat!."
330 days ago
oldish from oldish says:
I actually studied library science, but never worked as a librarian even if my heart is still with Dewey, seeing this warms my bookish me.
329 days ago
Jessi from RamblinRiver says:
Great story! My dad just retired and he lives across from the school bus barn. I think this is his next project. It may need to be a little bigger though.
329 days ago
Linzee from lkmccray says:
Love all the enthusiasm for Little Free Libraries (and libraries in general). Hope many new ones come to fruition. And I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one who loved playing library.
329 days ago
ernie from ernie50 says:
I love this. When I was little my Mom would always take me to the library and my Dad worked for a company that would throw away books that had some damage, so he would bring them home to us. Books were very Important in our family. I like you would also play library at home and still have some of the books I stamped. Books have always been my comfort and connection to both my parents. There is nothing better than having a book in your hands and not via cyberspace to read. Thanks for keeping that alive through your lovely little libraries. Maybe we can start one in Texas, but with this heat we would have to install a mini air conditoner...
329 days ago
Leslie Watkins says:
For more information on Little Free Libraries visit our web-site: www.littlefreelibrary.org
326 days ago
CrazyEyeFusedGlass from CrazyEyeFusedGlass says:
I've got one of these! Wish we lived on a street with more traffic, but everyone is welcome!
326 days ago
spacefem from spacefem says:
I built one of these too! It's been getting great traffic, I just love it! http://www.facebook.com/WichitaLittleFreeLibrary
326 days ago
LC Cooper from LeMaisonBelle says:
AWESOME!!!
325 days ago
Janice Jong from janicej says:
Such a fun and creative way to share books. Nice to see there's one here in the UK.
322 days ago
Melissa from HoneyBeeHolistics says:
Anything to promote reading! Knowledge is free and should be shared with all!
291 days ago